Insider: Maple Leafs Engaged in Trade Talks Involving Trio of Forwards
Photo credit: TSN
NHL Insider David Pagnotta revealed that the Toronto Maple Leafs are reaching out to teams regarding a trio of forwards as they look to add both cap and roster space.
The theme of the offseason for Toronto centered around two main things it seems: Their need to bring in a top-six forward and also find a trade for David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok and Nick Robertson; three players who are on the outside looking in after the Leafs added a slew of new names.
The team had been in talks previously though those have seemed to cool down for the most part, and while the jury is still out regarding if Toronto is going to make a deal to acquire a forward; a trade sending one out seems even harder.
Maple Leafs Still Searching For Buyers: David Pagnotta
However there is a bit of movement going on according to NHL Insider David Pagnotta as the Maple Leafs still continue to try and find potential buyers for their trio of forwards:
I believe they've started reaching out to some teams about their bottom six; so guys like Jarnkrok, Kampf, Robertson; their names are starting to pop up slowly again.
Though the team couldn't make a trade before, and there is no real indication they can find a buyer now, there is a potential market for all three players depending on the situation.
One thing to note here is that you can't expect Toronto to pull in a premium haul for any of these players, and if they find any buyers it's more than likely a take what you can get situation.
Who Is Most Likely To Be Traded From Maple Leafs?
Well, in a perfect world all three would be sent away for draft picks and/or part of a package to bring in a top-six forward.
But we aren't in a perfect world, so let's see who would make the most sense both from a roster and salary standpoint.
Robertson has the most potential due to his age, skillset, production and potential and while there are concerns about his attitude towards his playing time, there's no denying the talent is there ready to be unlocked.
He's been featured heavily this preseason and if he does end up sticking with the team is going to more than likely play a depth role when Craig Berube needs some more offense.
Jarnkrok is in the same boat but at least offers some versatility being able to not only play both wing and center, but be able to slide anywhere in the lineup and only costs $775k.
Plus he deserves a chance to bounce back after hernia surgery last year, and has looked a lot smoother and more comfortable in the preseason even if he isn't lighting the lamp.
That leaves Kampf, who while a decent role player, is not worth the $2.4-million contract attached to him, has seen his key role given to other players, and doesn't offer much flexibility or versatility beyond a fourth-line center role; one that's already filled.
But therein lies the issue, as no one really wants to take on that level of money for such little production, and while he could offer a contender some insurance, is that worth losing out a pick and eating nearly $2.5-million in cap?
It's a hard bargain no doubt, and though there is time for Brad Treliving to make a move, it's going to be extremely difficult to find a buyer who can afford one of his players.
Though it doesn't seem like it's going to stop him from trying which might lead to a much different roster come October.
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